Editor’s Note

Comment

SYED SHAH – Managing Editor, Manufacturers’ Monthly

All spaced out

BACK in December 1903, the Wright brothers became the first men to achieve powered flight. To many around the world at that time, this was unprecedented and unbelievable. The 1906 Herald Tribune’s Paris edition had an article about them titled “Flyers or Liars?”.

The fact was they were telling the truth about their invention, and we live in a different world as a result. Half-a-century later, mankind was already making plans to send humans into space. While humans reached the moon in the 60s, and have made regular trips into space for military and science purposes. A month or so back, the prospect of commercial space travel has become possible – for a cool few hundred grand with advanced booking required!

More than 100 years on since the first airplane was invented, it is difficult to imagine the world without flight. For air travel, it has been an impressive century, with commercial aircraft constantly evolving – looking at ways to lighten loads, minimise fuel intake and maximise distance travelled. Travel by air is still considered the safest form of travel according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) statistics. Prior to the pandemic, every major trade event for air like the Paris Air Show would have showcased major innovations through demonstrations of safety and manufacturing end results. Then, out of nowhere, billionaire Richard Branson announced the VSS Unity flight by his Virgin Atlantic spaceflight company into outer space (by NASA definition, outer space begins 50 miles above earth). This was followed by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin’s New Shepard launch to a similar space (pun intended) one week later.

In less than a year’s time, following more tests to ensure the aircrafts’ reliability for commercial consumption (safety, stability and planned routes), tickets will be on sale.

Monash University’s School of Physics and Astronomy associate professor Michael Brown thinks that satellites and un-crewed commercial activities are factors that actually drive the space industry. Australian Space Agency deputy head Anthony Murfett talks about the ambitious $150 million Moon to Mars program that was designed to support Australian businesses to collaborate with international partners as part of its mission to go forward to the moon and then to Mars. In this edition’s main feature, we talk about how the Moon to Mars initiative gives manufacturers an opportunity to apply their technologies to space projects.

In addition, the Australian government is helping manufacturers move into the space technology area, with recent funding announced under the $1.3 billion Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI). Four companies will share nearly $14 million in funds, and we speak to one of them, Titomic, in the same story.

In this edition of Manufacturers’ Monthly, we also feature the finalists for the Endeavour Awards. Once again, it is packed with nominees. It is pleasing to note that manufacturers in Australia are still striving to work hard and aim high beyond the pandemic. We wish them all the best for the day of the Awards!

Forty years after the moonwalk, there have been hundreds of launches into space and countless satellites orbiting earth and soon, with all the marvels of innovation and manufacturing. Despite all the odds the world is facing now, we can see ourselves having a look at our planet through a panel window of an aircraft – just for kicks.

If Wilbur and Orville only knew.